NEWSLETTER September 2017 Previous issue: May 2017 ISSN 1171-9982

From the President Articles for web site Planning is already underway for WBS’s 2018 Summer Camp. It will be based We welcome articles for at Taurewa Camp north-east of National Park village, from 4-11 January. The consideration for inclusion on variety of habitats in Tongariro National Park and vicinity. from lowland to our web site: alpine, means there will be plenty of interesting botanising for us to do in the www.wellingtonbotsoc.org.nz area. Auckland Botanical Society members have made recent trips to the area Please send your article to: and recommended to us several walks with interesting botany. Mike Wilcox is Richard Herbert compiling a list of species for the Tongariro Ecological District, recording 810 e-mail [email protected] native species to date—plenty to keep us busy! To help the organisers, we are planning to be strict with deadlines for registration this year – please book early if you intend to come. Writing for the Bulletin Lara Shepherd, President Do you have a botanical observation, anecdote, or insight that you could New members share with others in BotSoc? If so, please consider contributing it to the We welcome the following: Florence Kelly and Maren Preuss. Wellington Botanical Society Bulletin. Lea Robertson, Treasurer There is still plenty of space in the next issue. For more details and assistance, contact Eleanor Burton at trogs@ paradise.net.nz or 479 0497.

Left: Clematis paniculata. Photo: Jeremy Rolfe.

Wellington Botanical Society Meetings Address: PO Box 10 412, Wellington 6143 BotSoc meetings are usually held Web site: www.wellingtonbotsoc.org.nz at 7.30 p.m. on the third Monday President: Lara Shepherd 384 7147 of each month at Victoria Vice-Presidents: Owen Spearpoint 562 8780 University, W’gton – Lecture 2nd position Vacant Theatre MYLT101, ground floor, Secretary: Barbara Clark 233 8202 Murphy Building, west side of e-mail: [email protected] Kelburn Parade. Enter building Treasurer: Lea Robertson 473 8211 Auditor: Jane Humble 971 6970 about 20 m down Kelburn Pde Submissions from pedestrian overbridge. coordinator: Bev Abbott 475 8468 No meetings December and Bulletin editor: Eleanor Burton 479 0497 January. Newsletter Chris Horne 475 7025 editor: e-mail: [email protected] Field trips 28 Kaihuia St, Northland, WN 6012 Day trips to locations in the Annual ordinary $35; country $30; student $10; are usually subscription: joint / group / family $40. held on the first Saturday of each Send your subscription to Treasurer, WBS, Box 10 412, Wellington 6143 month. or to our bank account 020536 0017812 00. Extended excursions are usually New subscribers: Please complete form at the back of this newsletter. held at New Year, at Easter and the first weekend in December.

DEADLINE FOR COPY FOR NEXT ISSUE – 20 November 2017 Articles may be edited for clarity and length ATTENDING FIELD TRIPS AND MEETINGS

Ideas please Overnight trip gear and food We welcome your ideas about: Add to the day-trip gear, food and drink listed above: • places to visit on field trips, and potential leaders of breakfast, fresh fruit, torch, spare bulb and batteries, those field trips. candle, mug, plate, knife, fork, spoon, small towel, soap, • topics and speakers for evening meetings tooth brush. If accommodation is not provided for, bring Please send your ideas to Barbara Clark, PO Box 10 412, tent, fly, poles and pegs, groundsheet, sleeping mat, Wellington 6143, ph 233 8202. sleeping bag, sleeping-bag liner and stuff bag. Optional: matches in waterproof container, water purification tablets, Field trips—single day pocket knife, large plastic survival bag to line pack, gaiters. A field trip, usually lasting 4-5 hours, is an opportunity to Note: dinners may be ‘pot-luck’—ask the leader to suggest learn how to identify native and adventive plants what your contribution might be. (weeds). During the trip, experienced participants record Summer camps the species seen. After it, a new or updated list will be These field trips last 7–10 days. Full details will appear in produced for the site. This list will be published on the NZ the newsletter. Plant Conservation Network web site, and copies sent to trip participants, landowners and managers. Health and safety If you intend to join a field trip, PLEASE phone or The leader will bring BotSoc’s comprehensive first-aid kit, a e-mail the leader at least TWO DAYS beforehand, so that topographic map, a cell-phone, and give a health and safety he / she can tell you of any changes and / or particular briefing. requirements. If you cannot ring or e-mail in advance, you The leader will describe the route, and approximate are welcome to join on the day. If you e-mail your intention, times for lunch, tea breaks and the end of the trip. the leader will send you a copy of the draft plant list, so that Bring your own first-aid kit. If you have an allergy or you can print it out to bring with you. If you do not have a medical condition, bring your own anti-histamines and printer, tell the leader. At the meeting place, the trip leader medications, tell the leader of any problems you may have, will ask you to write on the registration form your name, and how to deal with them. e-mail address (so that you can receive the updated plant Before the trip, if you have any doubts about your ability list), and a phone number for the leader to ring your next- to keep up with the party, discuss this with the trip leader, of-kin in an emergency. who has the right to restrict attendance. What bring—clothing If you decide to leave a trip early, you must tell the Choose from the following items, according to the weather leader, and be confident that you know your way back to forecast, and your personal needs: sun hat, woollen or the start. Enter your name on the ‘register’ under a wind- polyprop beanie or balaclava, waterproof / windproof screen wiper on the leader’s car, or other agreed place, to raincoat (parka) and over-trousers, long-sleeved cotton record your safe return. shirt*, singlet*, thermal or woollen top, woollen jersey or Fitness and experience fleece jacket, nylon shorts or trousers*, polyprop long- Our field trips are mostly on established tracks, and at a johns, underclothes, thick socks, boots or walking shoes, leisurely pace, but vary considerably in the level of fitness gloves / mittens. and tramping experience required. Although our main *Note: In wet, cold weather, do not wear cotton shirts, focus is botanical, our programme sometimes offers trips singlets, t-shirts and trousers. which, in the pursuit of our botanical aims, are more What to bring—gear and food strenuous than others. Although leaders take care to Day pack with lunch, biscuits or scroggin, hot or cold minimise risks, you participate at your own risk. drink, spare clothing, personal first-aid kit, note-book, pen, pencil, cell-phone, wallet. Optional: walking pole, clip- Transport board, map or park brochure, camera, binoculars, hand- When the use of public transport is practical, details will lens, sun-block, sun-glasses, insect repellent, whistle, toilet appear in the newsletter. paper. We encourage the pooling of cars for trips. If you need a lift, tell the trip leader. Field trips—overnight Passengers: Pay your driver your share of the running Field trips usually last two days; at Easter, three days. We costs. We suggest 10c per km / passenger. If a trip uses the may be based at a camp-ground with or without cabins, or inter-island ferry, pay your share of the ferry fare. If you a rented house, or a private bach. The field trip may last 4-7 change cars mid-trip, leave a written note for your driver, hours each day. under a wind-screen wiper on her or his car, and check that your new driver adds you to her or his list.

2 Drivers: Ensure that you know the route to the start of TO MEETINGS the trip, and that you have a written list of your passengers. No. 23 Mairangi: depart Houghton Bay 6.30 p.m., Hospital Zero the odometer at the start, and agree on a return time. 6.42, Courtenay Place 6.49, opposite Supreme Court 7.00, Check from your list that all your passengers are in the car. University 7.05. Collect contributions towards transport costs. No. 23 Mairangi: depart Southgate 7.00 p.m., Hospital 7.17, Courtenay Place 7.22, opposite Supreme Trip leaders Court 7.34, University 7.39. Draft a trip report for the newsletter, including a list of No. 22 Southgate: depart Mairangi 7.00 p.m., participants, and send it to the editor. University 7.13. Other matters No. 17 Railway Station: depart Karori Park 6.35 p.m., If after your first BotSoc field trip, tell the leader if you University 6.52. think there is information newcomers would appreciate Cable Car at 00, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 min past each hour from seeing about future trips, in the newsletter, on the web site, Lambton Quay terminus. Alight at Salamanca Station. or on Wellington Glean Report. FROM MEETINGS If you would like to offer to lead a field trip, or be a No. 23 Southgate: 9.12 p.m. from University. deputy leader on a field trip, contact our programme organiser, Sunita Singh, [email protected] No. 23 Southgate: 10.10 p.m. from University. Cable Car at approx. 01, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 minutes past Meetings each hour from Salamanca Station. Public transport to meetings Last service 10.01 p.m. The following bus services stop on Kelburn Parade, about For further information ring Metlink, 0800 801-700. 50 m up it from Victoria University’s Murphy Building Lecture Theatre MYLT101:

FIELD TRIPS & EVENING MEETINGS: SEPTEMBER 2017 – JANUARY 2018

The following programme IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. If you wish to go on a field trip, PLEASE help with planning by giving the leader 2 days’ notice before a day trip, MORE notice before weekend trips, and SEVERAL WEEKS’ notice before the New Year’s trip. Non-members are welcome to come to our meetings and to join us on our field trips. Monday 18 September: Evening meeting Seaweeds of central NZ: what do we have at our back door? Speaker: Dr Wendy Nelson, Principal Scientist – Marine Biological Resources, NIWA. We have been fortunate in Wellington that the macroalgae in our region have been studied over a longer period, and in more detail, than any other region of NZ. Wendy will talk about the early collectors (mid-1800s) up to the present day - and highlight some of the interesting features of our local flora. Saturday 7 October: Field Trip Saline wetlands, eastern Wairarapa Access via Craigie Lea forest is with 4WD vehicles only. We will take up to six vehicles max. Meet: 9 a.m. in Gladstone, (south-east of Carterton) at the junction of Te Whiti and Admiral roads. It is 50 m north of Gladstone Rd. We will travel in convoy from Gladstone via Tupurupuru-Te Wharau (Flat Point) Rd to Te Wharau along East Coast Rd and meet the Forestry representative at the junction of East Coast and Craigie-Lea roads. It is then 5 minutes along Craigie Lea Rd, then through the farm to the forest. The 4 km forestry road is pretty good, except if very wet, so is okay for most 4WD vehicles with tyres with good tread and clearance. Bring a hi-viz vest if you have one, and if you do not, please tell Owen. The wetland is small, surrounded by rank pasture and pine plantation, with regenerating scrub and forest nearby which we will survey if time permits. There is no cell phone coverage at wetland, but some coverage on nearby high points. The site is at c. 500 m elevation overlooking the sea, so bring warm clothes, hat, gloves, leggings, parka. GWRC will supply three vehicles, but these are nearly full. If you have a 4WD, and would like to help ferry people to the site, please tell Owen. We will leave the site at 3 p.m., in convoy to the sealed road, for safety reasons. Map: NZTopo50-BP34 Te Wharau. Leader: Owen ph 027 285 8083 or e-mail: [email protected]

3 Monday 16 October: Evening meeting Student and grant recipient reports 1. Speaker: Nathaniel Walker. Macroevolutionary patterns of pigmentation and salt tolerance in Caryophyllales. Carrying on from previous research into the relationship between betalain pigments, salt tolerance and stress in Disphyma australe / horokaka / NZ ice-plant, his research explored evolutionary connections between pigmentation and the evolution of salt tolerance in Caryophyllales, and suggests that betalains may be related to salt tolerance more broadly in Caryophyllales. 2. Speaker: Stacey Bryan. Pīngao: Weaving the connections. Pīngao / Ficinia spiralis, an endemic, sand-binding sedge that grows throughout the NZ coastline, has high ecological and cultural value. Stacey will summarise research on variation in pīngao genetics and ecology in the context of NZ sand-dune ecosystems. Saturday 4 November: Field trip Moa Point seaweeds We’ll likely encounter more seaweed diversity at Moa Point than we saw at Te Rae-kai-hau in March. This trip will be a refresher in seaweed basics, and a chance to learn more as we gain confidence. If you can access them, Wendy Nelson’s book seaweeds: an identification guide, and NIWA’s free online Beautiful Browns guide: (https://www.niwa.co.nz/coasts-and-oceans/marine-identification-guides-and-fact-sheets/beautiful- browns) are great preparation. We won’t be walking far, but sturdy footwear is essential for the coastal rocks, and expect to get wet feet. Weather-permitting, we shall spend a couple of hours around low tide out on Moa Point / Hue te Taka itself. For anyone not keen on that, exploring the shoreline will still be interesting. Meet: 10 a.m. in the Moa Point car-park opposite the dog pound. Maps: NZTopo50-BQ31 Wellington & street map. Bus no. 44 Strathmore, 8.17 Homebush Rd, WN Station Stop C 8.38, Ct Pl 8.47, alight at terminus. Walk down track to Moa Pt Waste-Water Treatment Plant access road, then along Moa Point Rd. Leader: Leon Perrie 027 419 1378. Saturday 11 November: Field Trip Te Marua Bush workbee, In partnership with Greater Wellington, BotSoc has been committed since 1989 to do weed control and revegetation in this important mataī/tōtara/black maire remnant in Regional Park. Our biennial workbees must continue so that we keep ahead of re-invasion by weeds, particularly around the plantings, so please come to help with this important work. Bring weeding gear: gloves, kneeler, weed bag, and your favourite weeding tools, e.g., trowel, hand fork, grubber, loppers, pruning saw, jemmy. Meet at Te Mārua Bush at 9.30 a.m. (250 m north of Te Mārua Store and then left, off SH2 for 50 m, on Twin Lakes Rd, Kaitoke Reg. Pk. Catch 8.05 a.m. Hutt line train WN to Upper Hutt - ring the leader to arrange to be met at Upper Hutt Station. Maps: street & NZTopo50-BP32 Paraparaumu. Co-leaders: Glennis Sheppard 526 7450, Sue Millar 526 7440. Monday Nov 20: Evening meeting Three decades of research snippets on the vegetation and ecology of Tongariro National Park Speaker: Jill Rapson, Plant ecologist, Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North. The volcanic environs of Tongariro National Park result in marked impacts on the vegetation. These include species’ absences, unusual spatial patterns in plant communities, and impacts of ash-falls and volcanic fires, as well as responses to transient laharic events and the occasional flood. We will look at how scientists determine the causes and effects of these events on vegetation which creates the complex mosaic making the park so botanically attractive to visit. Jill will use a range of student projects, post-graduate research and long-term monitoring, and conclude with some thoughts on possible implications for our understanding of the dynamics of NZ’s vegetation as a whole. 4–11 January 2018: Summer field trip Volcanic Plateau, Central Base camp: Taurewa Camp, Pukehinau Rd, Tongariro Forest Park 3989, 500 m off State Highway 47, c. 21 km (15 min) north of National Park village. Breakfasts & lunches will be prepared by BotSoccers on a roster system. Dinners will be catered. Please make your own arrangements if you have special dietary needs. Accommodation: Seven 2-person huts; bunk-rooms; camping; all $17/person/night; self-contained cottage sleeps 7, $25/person/night. See http://www.avcol.school.nz/uploaded/file/downloads/Year%2012%20-%2013%20 Taurewa%20Booklet%202015.pdf Transport options: car, Northern Explorer train, or InterCity bus WN-Whanganui-National Park village, then taxi or shuttle 21 km to Taurewa Lodge. Booking form is in this newsletter. Maps: Double-sided, waterproof- paper relief map—Tongariro Circuit on one side, Tongariro National Park on the other, $24.99 @ DOC Visitor Information Centre, 18–32 Manners St, WN. NZTopo50-BH34 Raurimu; NZTopo-BJ34 Mount Ruapehu. DOC Visitor Information Centre, Bivouac Outdoor, 39 Mercer St and Map Shop, 121 Thorndon Quay. Brochures: Walks in & around Tongariro National Park $3 @ DOC Visitor Centre, 18–32 Manners St, WN. http://www.doc. govt.nz/tongariro?actionId=124.

Help raise funds for BotSoc’s Jubilee Award Fund – bring named seedlings/cuttings for sale at each evening meeting 4 Field trips: • Taurewa Loop Tk. Bush near camp, 4.5 km loop, 2–3hr; • Te Porere Redoubt. 2.5 km, 45 min. Combine this with either Taurewa Loop Track, or Lake Rotopounamu Tk, in a single day; • Lake Rotopounamu Tk. 5 km loop, 2 hr; • Ohinetonga Tk, near Owhango. 3.8 km 2–3 hr loop; • Silica Rapids Tk, off Bruce Rd, 2.5 hr. Alpine areas, bog, mountain beech forest. Lahar mounds, also off Bruce Rd, 20 minutes; • Mt Hauhangatahi. Outstanding altitudinal sequence: podocarp/broad-leaved forest. A big day; • Fisher’s Trail (road) and Tupapakurua Falls, near National Park village. Bush with diverse flora. 4–5 hours return to falls; • Ketetahi Tk from SH 46 towards Mt Tongariro. Booking: Book early! Preference will be given to members of Wellington BotSoc. Please either download registration form from http://www.wellingtonbotsoc.org.nz/trips_2017.html#camp, or complete and post the registration form at the end of this newsletter. Deposit: $400.00. Co-leaders: Lara Shepherd, [email protected], 027 363 5854, and Chris Moore.

EVENTS AWARDS & GRANTS

• 1st Saturday each month. Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust plant care. 30 September. Wellington Botanical Society Jubilee Award. Wilbur Dovey 499 1044. Please see article in this newsletter. NOTE EXTENSION OF DEADLINE. • 22 September – 1 October. Great kererū count. 30 September. Wellington Botanical Society - Grant to • 23 September. Otari Open Day. 160 Wilton Rd, Wilton, WN. graduate students. Please see article in this newsletter. NOTE Plant sale 10 a.m., Open lab 11 a.m.–2 p.m; free guided walks EXTENSION OF DEADLINE. @ 11.30 a.m. & 1.00 p.m.; 31 October. Wellington City Council Natural Environment • 28 September, 6–7 p.m. Editing them out: the end for pests? Fund. A panel with Josephine Johnston, Andrea Byrom, Kevin • www.wcc.govt.nz Hackwell, Jan Hania and chaired by Kim Hill. Riley Centre, Wellington High School, 249 Taranaki St, Mount Cook, WN. Tickets, if still available—door sales $30. PUBLICATIONS • 10–11 October. Climate Change and Business Conference— Transitioning. Grand Millenium Hotel, Auckland. Organised 1a. Taonga of an island nation: Saving NZ’s birds. 5/17. A5 139 by Environmental Defence Society. pp. [email protected] 1b. Stepping stones to Paris and beyond: Climate change, progress, and predictability. 7/17. A4 38 pp. • 14 October, 10 a.m.–12 noon. Weed ID & control. Illona • Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Box 10 Keenan, Biosecurity Technical Advisor, Wellington City 241, WN 6143. Ph 04 471 1669, [email protected], Council. Zealandia Visitor Centre, Waiapu Rd. Bring a weed for www.pce.parliament.nz ID; Get advice on identifying & controlling weeds. 2a. Your Region, Your Plan – Annual Plan 2017/18. A4 96 pp. • 14–20 October. Conservation Week. Responding to climate change–p 11; Environment p 28; Parks p • 5 November. Hinewai Reserve, 632 Long Bay Rd, Akaroa, 32. Banks Peninsula. 30th anniversary celebration. 2b. Manchurian wild rice. See http://wellington.scoop. Contact Bruce Hansen [email protected] co.nz/?p=102372 • Greater Wellington Regional Council, www.gw.govt.nz, info@ • 15–20 November. NZPCN Biennial Conference & John Child gw.govt.nz, ph 384 5708, Box 11 646, WN 6142. Bryophyte Workshop. Hokitika. Theme: Back to basics, core 3. Trilepidea. 162 5/17: response to myrtle rust; Ranunculus botanical themes. viridis / Mount Allen buttercup; propagating Olearia adenocarpa NZPCN conference: [email protected] or jmarshall@doc. / ‘dry-plains shrub daisy’; botanical survey, Tin Range, Stewart govt.nz Is / Rakiura; NZ Indigenous Flora Seed Bank (NZIFSB); John Child Bryophyte Workshop: [email protected] NZPCN Biennial Conference & John Child Bryophyte & Lichen Workshop, Hokitika, 14–21.11.17; flora of sub-Antarctic islands • 14–21 December. Snares, Enderby, Conservation expedition. – tour, 3-10.1.2018; Ipomoea pes-caprae found in Northland; Auckland and Campbell islands. etc. 163 6/17: ????. 164 7/17: NZIFSB—response to myrtle rust; [email protected] Anogramma leptophylla / Jersey fern which is on BotSoc’s logo; • 3–10 January 2018. Flora of the ‘Forgotten Islands’. Botanical NZPCN Biennial Conference & John Child Bryophyte & Lichen expedition to the Snares, Auckland and Campbell islands. Workshop; NZPCN Annual Awards call for nominations; PhD [email protected] scholarship available at Univ. of Auckland to study Spalachnaceae mosses; etc. 165 8.17: NZPCN Biennial Conference & John Child • 30.3–1.7.2018. Botanical Art Worldwide. Exhibition, Bryophyte & Lichen Workshop, Hokitika 14-18/11; NZPCN Auckland Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery. Annual Awards - call for nominations; Pteridium esculentum; [email protected] revising International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants; NZIFSB—cleaning Myrtaceae seed; etc.

5 • NZPCN, c/- 160 Wilton Rd, Wilton, WN 6012. events@ to Ipipiri Island, Bay of Islands; changes to people’s attitudes nzpcn.org.nz to conservation in last 50 years; protecting penguins; draft 4. NZ Botanical Society. 128 6/17: Scutellaria novae-zelandiae; Threatened Species Strategy; Australasian bittern / matuku news from regional botanical societies; a cache of old NZ fern research; Flock Hill Station, Canterbury - vegetation clearance; records – US Exploring Expedition in Bay of Islands, 1854-55; petrels of the rainforest; launch of Zero Carbon Act; overnight Chilean mayten / Maytenus boaria – potential for explosive on Kāpiti; sparrow behaviour; Hibiscus richardsonii / puarangi; spread of this tree; biographical sketch: Henry Hill (1849-1933); etc. 365 Spring 2017: Ruataniwha decision; new criteria for etc. Environmental Legal Assistance Fund; High Court confirms Quarterly newsletter, subscription $25 ($18), full-time student councils can use RMA for marine protection; gold mine $12 ($9). Figures in brackets are if paid by due date on invoice. proposal on Coromandel; coal and the climate; discussion with Back issues since 1986 $7 each. Dr Jan Wright, retiring Parliamentary Commissioner for the • NZBS, c/- Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Ave, CH 8013. Environment; local extinctions common; General Election; www.nzbotanicalsociety.org.nz saving aquifers and springs; Remarkables National Park 5a. Auckland Botanical Society. Journal Vol 72(1) 6/17: field trip proposal; controlling mynas; protecting kauri; working with reports, including in Tongariro National Park area, March 2017; Māori on conservation; weeds impact a Canterbury river bed; etc. ruru / morepork; National Policy Statement on Freshwater Back issues $3 incl p&p – e-mail to check if the issue you want is Management; trapdoor spider research; flora on sub-Antarctic in stock. islands; impacts on flora and fauna from farming intensification 5b. ABS Newssheet. 6/17: kauri dieback in Waitakere Ranges – on Canterbury Plains; F&B to appeal sea-bed mining proposal; help sought; etc. 8/17: Apodasmia similis / oioi; etc. 9/17: rimu etc. / ; Peter de Lange wins Loder Cup; 9b. Nature’s Future Supporter. Autumn 2017: fight for Schizeilema and Stilbocarpa sunk into Azorella; University of freshwater; Bushy Park, Whanganui; environmental litigation; Auckland’s New Zealand Plants web site; books for sale; etc. etc. • https://sites.google.com/site/aucklandbotanicalsociety/ • Forest & Bird, Box 631, WN 6014. www.forestandbird.org.nz 6. Canterbury Botanical Society. 9/17: research on Sencecio 10. ECO Conference 2017. 7–8/17: Call for climate commission glaucophyllus group; Rene Orchiston Harakeke Collection at & carbon budgeting; Mangroves Bill bad for biodiversity; Landcare Research, Lincoln. solutions for clean water; Water Conservation Order sought for • CBS, Box 8212 Riccarton, CH 8440 Ngaruroro & Clive rivers; Ruataniwha DOC land protected by 7a. Ecolink. 1–4/17: Panirau Plateau, Mokau, saved from Supreme Court decision; new Environmental Legal Aid criteria; mining; myrtle rust; mining to be permitted activity on West more protection on Coromandel Peninsula promised; World Coast?; draft Threatened Species Strategy; OECD Environmental Heritage areas not protected from mining; seabed mining; Special Performance Report; Coromandel Peninsula—mining permits Economic Zones favour miners; etc. granted; de-carbonising NZ; water standards; etc. 7-8/17: • ECO, Box 11 057, WN, [email protected] www.eco.org.nz ECO Conference 2017; call for climate commission & carbon 11. Backcountry. 7/17: Ruataniwha decision; proposed budgeting; Mangroves Bill bad for biodiversity; solutions for Remarkables National Park; Rimutaka National Park proposal; clean water; Water Conservation Order sought for Ngaruroro & Erica lusitanica / Spanish heath in Tauwharenikau Valley, Clive rivers; Ruataniwha DOC land protected by Supreme Court Tararua Range; challenges to politicians; Landcare Research seeks decision; new Environmental Legal Aid criteria; more protection information on flowering patterns in northern & southern rātā; on Coromandel peninsula promised; World Heritage areas not Sheila Natusch; etc. protected from mining; seabed mining; Special Economic Zones • Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ, Box 1604, WN. www.fmc. favour miners; etc. org.nz 7b. Join ECO NZ’s Environmental Network. Information and 12. Zealandia / Karori Sanctuary. Translocation of Brachyglottis membership application form. A4, 2pp. kirkii / kohurangi / Kirk’s tree daisy. RadioNZ Te Ao Hurihuri / • ECO, Box 11 057, WN, [email protected] www.eco.org.nz Our Changing World programme. 8. Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust News and Views. 6/17: Trust • http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ Board report; Collections Curator’s report; controlling ourchangingworld/audio/201856985/bringing-kirk-s-tree- Montbretia; Otari awards; apprentices; collecting in Kahurangi daisy-back-to-wellington National Park; work to save Olearia adenocarpa / ‘dry-plains 13.The northern rātā – monitoring planted seedlings in shrub daisy’; Rhabdothamnus solandri / taurepo; etc. 9/17: Trust Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Ineke Wynia. 2017. A4 100 pp. Board report; Team Manager’s report; including trial plantings • [email protected] of Brachyglottis kirkii / kohurangi / Kirk’s tree daisy; Otari Open 14. Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden. 6/17: Children’s Day 23 September; board of trustees; pest–animal control work; Garden opened; Conservation & Science Advisor Karin van der fungal foray; Metrosideros bartlettii / Bartlett’s rātā; etc. Walt; MOU signed with DOC and GWRC re cooperation on Subscriptions: double/family $15; individual $10; student/ plant conservation; myrtle rust; 9/17: work with NZ Indigenous unwaged $5. Flora Seed Bank; myrtle rust; history of plant nurseries in the • Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust, 160 Wilton Rd, WN 6012. Botanic Garden; etc. 9a. Forest & Bird. 364 winter 2017: impact of mountain bikes • FoWBG, Box 28 065, Kelburn, WN. www.friendswbg.org.nz on reserves; will Government allow open-cast mining on 15a. Pīpipi. 45 5/17: new Ōpātuti Track; map of Hinewai; Denniston Plateau?; plea to Grey District Council to veto plan to regeneration after fire 6 years ago; fungi at Hinewai; weed trees; log untouched forest on publicly owned land; Charleston Forest monitoring vegetation plots; etc. saved 20 years ago; politics of fresh water; ecological health Donations welcome: BNZ Akaroa 02 0832 0044225 00. crucial for our rivers; collapse of rare swamp-forest remnant, 15b. Hinewai Information and Map. A4 , 2 pp. Pirinoa, Wairarapa; Vote for Nature; preventing destruction Hinewai Reserve, 632 Long Bay Rd, RD3 Akaroa 7583. of threatened seabed ecosystems; call on Government 16. The Hidden Life of Trees. Peter Wohlleben. Link to radio agencies to protect Auckland’s biodiversity hotspots; why interview: Pauline Kroef helped fund F&B’s legal costs in Ruahine Forest • http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/ Park Supreme Court appeal; what motivates environmental audio/201828427/the-hidden-life-of-trees volunteers; fernbirds / matata returned to Pauatahanui Inlet; 17. Friends of Mana Island. 7/17: flax weevil damage on flax; educating children about conservation; kākāriki to be moved etc.

6 18. Keeping NZ Green: Our Forests and Th eir Future. Elizabeth Orr. Steele Roberts Aotearoa. 2017. RRP $44.99. SUBMISSIONS MADE 19. Wild Futures. A4 2 pp. • www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz 20. Genetics best hope for predator-free NZ. A4 4 pp. • [email protected] DOC’s Draft Th reatened Species 21. Wilderness magazine. 8/17: What a Relief – article about the Strategy production of maps specifi cally for trampers. Key goals in the consultation draft included enhancing the 22. Living with Nature Tiaki Taiao, Tiaki Tangata. Strategy populations of 150 priority species by 2025, and gradually 2016–2035. A4 29 pp. increasing the number of species being managed from Zealandia Te Mara a Tāne, [email protected] www. visitzealandia.com. about 350 currently, to 500 by 2025 and 600 by 2030. Th e 23. Th e Tararua Tramper. 9/17. Hymenophyllum dilatatum, etc. 150 priority species are named, and include 39 vascular • www.ttc.org.nz plants, fi ve from a list of 50 ‘notable’ species, and 34 from the list of 100 species selected using a scientifi c algorithm. Here are some points from our submission: NOMINATIONS CALLED FOR We hope the fi nal TSS will contain more strategies for protecting NZ’s threatened and at-risk plant species. Our 25 September. NZPCN Plant Conservation Awards. Call for vision is that “resilient populations of all threatened and at- nominations. Categories: Individual; Plant nursery; School; Local risk species of plants are fl ourishing in the wild”. authority; Young plant conservationist of the year. Information Th e ‘threats’ diagram (p.10) shows only six threats to and nomination forms from www.nzpcn.org.nz biodiversity, and most of the text is about one of those threats, introduced predators. We suggested recognising more of the threats to plants, such as recruitment Letters to the editor failure, pathogens such as Myrtle Rust, fi res, and natural We would welcome your comments on any aspect of catastrophes, e.g., earthquakes and landslips. We BotSoc’s activities: challenged the branding of rats and possums as ‘predators’ • places you would like to visit on fi eld trips because it ignores their impacts on plants and ecosystems. • topics you would like to have covered in evening Rats and possums are predators; they do hunt animals, meetings including birds and their eggs. Th ey are, however, better • topics you would like covered in BotSoc’s Bulletin and described as omnivores because they also eat plants, not Newsletter just the leaves, but the fl owers, fruits and seeds. • other matters of concern or interest to you. Weeds are recognised as a threat in the TSS, but the If you would like to off er to lead a fi eld trip, or be a deputy strategies are limited to removing wilding conifers, and leader on a fi eld trip, please contact our programme raising public awareness of 12–13 weeds each year through organiser, Sunita Singh, [email protected] the Minister’s “Dirty Dozen” campaign. One estimate Th ank you, suggests there are already an estimated 300 environmental Th e committee weed species on public conservation land, and many other introduced plants may become weedy as climate change advances. Climate change is mentioned occasionally, but there are no strategies for addressing the potential impacts DOC Wellington of climate change on NZ’s biodiversity. Nor do the 10 Key Actions in the draft TSS include any strategies or tools Visitor Centre for managing herbivores, (e.g., rabbits, hares, pigs, deer, Te Pae Manuhiri, Te Rohe chamois, thar, wallabies, and wandering stock). ō Te Whanganui ä Tara Seed-banking is among the Top 10 Actions, but the draft TSS says little about other ex-situ approaches to Conservation House, plant conservation. In this context, the new MOU between 18–32 Manners St DOC and seven NZ BGANZ gardens (Botanic Gardens of Australia and NZ) is welcome because enhancing some • Track, hut, conservation threatened plant species in the wild will require specialist information horticultural knowledge, skills, and facilities. Th e successful • Kapiti Island visitor permits multi-year programme at Otari to propagate and establish • Hut tickets, backcountry hut Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii plants achieved another step passes recently with plantings in the possum-free habitat behind • Hunting permits the fence at Zealandia. We also encouraged DOC to recognise that site-specifi c Open: Mon–Fri 9 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. tools and guidelines are required to protect plants in-situ, Sat 10 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. e.g., how best to create the disturbed habitats preferred by Tel: 04 384 7770 Fax: 04 384 7773 early successional species; and when to allow light grazing E-mail: [email protected] to reduce competition from weeds. Th ere’s still a place for Web: www.doc.govt.nz traditional approaches like fences and fenced exclosures. Th e draft TSS included several informative conservation stories as ‘Spotlights’, but only one reported progress

7 towards saving a threatened plant in the wild, (kākābeak). President’s Report to the 78th Annual The draft TSS did not recognise that geographic or social factors have implications for implementation. We General Meeting of the Wellington suggested that presenting the lists of priority threatened Botanical Society species in tables showing their geographic location(s) Highlights of the past year include the summer camp and ecosystem type may be more effective in promoting to Mangarakau, northwest Nelson, a varied programme regional support for the priorities identified by central of talks throughout the year and an increase in BotSoc Government than lists of taxa groups by conservation membership. It is encouraging to see more young people status. becoming members and attending our meetings and trips. DOC and its partners now need to do for plants what On a sadder note, five long-term members of BotSoc the NZ Wildlife Service, DOC and universities have been passed away this year: Stan Butcher, Jean Luke, Sheena doing for birds and a few other species for decades ─ Hudson, Nancy Malcolm and our former President and identifying their biological, ecological and management life member Barbara Mitcalfe. Their presence at BotSoc requirements. trips and meetings is sorely missed. Barbara’s contribution We didn’t argue about the 34 species on the list of to botany in the Wellington region was recognised priority plant species other than to suggest replacing the by obituaries in Trilepidea (the newsletter of the NZ Chatham Island forget-me-not (widespread in cultivation), Plant Conservation Network), the NZ Botanical Society with pīngao (culturally important), if the list of ‘notables’ Newsletter and The Dominion Post. can only contain five plant species. We also asked for Conservation outcomes for our local plants have been a better explanation of why there are seven species of mixed over the past year. The purchase of the Forest of Lepidium among the 34 species selected by the scientific Tāne for addition to the Outer Green Belt demonstrates algorithm. If DOC can achieve measurable enhancements Wellington City Council’s commitment to conservation. In in the populations of 34 plant species by 2025, that will be contrast Porirua City Council’s approval of the construction worth a major celebration. of mountain-bike tracks in Porirua Scenic Reserve, which contains some of the best tawa-kohekohe forest in the Environmental Education for region is extremely disappointing. Another concern is the recent long-anticipated arrival of myrtle rust in New Sustainability: Strategy and Action Zealand, and we are yet to see the effects it will have on our Plan 2017–2021 native species. There is some fine rhetoric in this strategy that has now Membership 2016/2017 been approved by relevant Ministers. EEfS is a holistic approach to creating a nation of innovative Membership over the year has remained stable. Presently and motivated people who think and act sustainably. we have 113 Ordinary Members, 32 Country Members, It’s more than just communicating information about 61 Group Members, 31 Life Members, and 5 Student the environment and the ways in which it is currently Members. The total membership figure stands at 242, threatened by human activity. The strategy focuses on the slightly up from 239 last year. We have seen a welcome rise key environmental challenges of climate change, water in the number of student members. quality, biodiversity protection and waste. We are putting Trips more emphasis on practical, hands-on environmental The summer trip to Mangarakau, in northwest Nelson was education. We want stronger linkages with the Government’s well-attended. Leader Chris Moore did an excellent job of agenda on science and innovation. finding a variety of habitats to visit for the day trips, from The strategy explains that ‘educators’ in EEFS are not coastal turf to wetlands and lowland forest. Highlights only those who work in formal education settings, but included finding a new population of the rare forget-me- includes passionate people in the community, kaitiaki, not Myosotis aff.brockiei . Thanks to all those involved NGOs, local government and many other organisations in the organisation including Chris Moore and Richard who are engaging New Zealanders in EEfS as part of Herbert for leadership, Chris Horne for permits, Julia Stace their jobs or on a volunteer basis. The Department of and Bev Abbott for catering and all those who contributed Conservation, the Ministry for the Environment, and the day-trip reports to the newsletter. Support from DOC staff, Ministry of Education are jointly leading this strategy. who were able to attend some days was greatly appreciated. So, what are these lead agencies going to do? The clearest There were ten other field trips within the wider of nine actions commits them to providing “context-specific Wellington region last year (and one cancelled trip), guidelines, tools and professional learning opportunities including a 4WD expedition into the Akatarawa Range that support EEfS practices, including mātauranga Māori organised by Owen Spearpoint, and ably assisted by drivers perspectives.” Most of the other actions are ill-defined, e.g.: from the Cross-Country Vehicle Club. It was great to see celebrate exemplary practices and partnerships; leverage some of our often over-looked plants (mosses, liverworts, existing programmes; use new and evolving ways to connect; lichens and seaweeds) being the focus of trips. Thank you support EEfS leadership across different sectors; and strengthen and widen networks amongst those involved as kaitiaki and with EEfS. Newsletter by e-mail? If you would like to help us to reduce our postage costs Bev Abbott Submissions Coordinator by receiving your newsletter by pdf, please advise Lea Robertson: [email protected]

8 to those who led trips and to Sunita Singh for organising not well-developed, but if all goes well, the populations of the programme of trips. five named plant species will be enhanced by 2025, and 34 others will be “managed for protection”. Meetings Thank you to Bev Abbott for the huge amount of time Thanks also to Sunita for organising a varied and thought- you spend and the excellent job you do preparing and provoking programme of talks this year, and to all our presenting submissions on behalf of the WBS. speakers for producing such engaging presentations. Once again the AGM drew the biggest audience with 60 attendees Awards with Landcare Research’s Matt McGlone giving a thought- Last year we only had one application for a student grant. provoking lecture on the woody in It was from Nathanael Walker-Hale who is studying the memory of Tony Druce. relationship between Betalain pigments and salt tolerance The team of Rodney Lewington, Carol West and Peter in Disphyma australe. This carries on from research we Beveridge was a close second with 55 people attending to have helped fund in the past. learn about mosses, liverworts and lichens. The Jubilee Award went to Hannah Buckley at Lincoln, who is studying ecological resilience of sand- Communications dune ecosystems, particularly the population genetics and Newsletter: Three issues of the newsletter were produced ecology of pīngao. during the last year—September and December 2016, and May 2017. Chris Horne and Jeremy Rolfe do a wonderful Committee job of their preparation, formatting and production. The committee met regularly during the past year, mostly Website: Thank you to Richard Herbert who manages at the Leonard Cockayne Centre at Otari-Wilton’s Bush. our web site at www.wellingtonbotsoc.org.nz, and Julia The committee has provided a huge amount of guidance to White for dealing with enquiries. me as I moved into the President’s role and I would like to Facebook page: the Wild Plants of Wellington Facebook thank each of you for your support and patience, as well page now has 237 members. It continues to be a good way as all the time you have put into your committee roles. to attract new members, advertise our trips and meetings, Thank you Owen Spearpoint and Eleanor Burton (Vice and as a forum to discuss all things botanical. Thanks to Presidents), Frances Forsyth (minute taker), Bev Abbott Julia White and Leon Perrie for administering the site. (submissions coordinator), Barbara Clark (secretary), Lea Robertson (treasurer), Richard Herbert and Chris Horne; I Submissions have thoroughly enjoyed working with you all. It’s been a busy year for submissions. In our response to Wellington City Council’s request for submissions on its Other thanks and acknowledgements Draft Open Space Access Plan, and its Draft Master Plan for In addition to the people acknowledged above, I would also Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park, we encouraged Council like to thank the following: to make ecological and safety factors a higher priority. • Eleanor Burton for volunteering to be editor of the next We found little connection between BotSoc’s Bulletin. educational activities and the draft 10-year strategy for • Barbara and Kevin Clark for hosting the annual Draft Environmental Education for Sustainability released committee BBQ at their house. by DOC and the ministries of education and environment • Lea Robertson, Hugh Robertson, Sunita Singh, Trudi in 2016. The actions in the final strategy talk of enhancing Bruhlmann and Jill Goodwin for mailing out the capability and capacity, celebrating success, and fostering newsletter, and Kaaren Mitcalfe for providing a venue networks for collaborative action. for the last mail-out. The Discussion Document released by DOC, MfE • NZ Print for their work printing the three issues of the and the Prime Minister’s Science Adviser presented newsletter. some challenging ideas as part of a process to identify • VUW for the use of Murphy Lecture Theatre 101 for the priority research required to inform policy decisions holding our meetings. over the next 20 years. Botany was not a winner when the Lara Shepherd, President final Conservation and Environment Science Research Roadmap was approved by Cabinet in February 2017, but the biosecurity theme is likely to result in more funding for Evening meetings managing plant pests. 15.8.17 AGM; Matt McGlone 60 Just before Christmas 2016, the Department of 19.9.16 P Beveridge, R Lewington, C West 55 Conservation (DOC) released its long overdue draft of the 17.10.16 Maren Preuss; Barbara Hampton 31 second CMS Wellington. We encouraged DOC to improve 21.11.16 Philip Simpson 43 the resilience of populations of indigenous species in the 20.2.17 Melanie Dixon 49 CMS area, particularly those already declining or at risk 20.3.17 Frances Forsyth 36 of extinction. We hope the final CMS will respond to our 10.4.17 Bev Abbott 34 suggestion that it’s time for DOC to start preparing for 15.5.17 Members’ Evening 34 climate change. 19.6.17 Karin van der Walt; Philippa Crisp 40 As the financial year came to an end, DOC’s Draft 17.7.17 Chris Moore; Stephen Hartley 42 Threatened Species Strategy focused our attention on TOTAL 424 DOC’s plans for protecting New Zealand’s threatened Average 42 and at-risk species. The plans for protecting plants are

9 Field trips Subscriptions for the year ended 30 3.9.16 Horoeka St Reserve, 22 June 2018 1.10.16 Otari: mosses, lichens, liverworts 21 Subscriptions for this financial year are now due. A 5.11.16 Nature Walk, Rimutaka Forest Park 20 yellow invoice is attached to the print newsletter for those 3.12.16 Manganui Valley, Wairarapa 11 members opting to receive hard-copy, and reminders will 11–18.1.17 Mangarakau, North-west Nelson 26 be e-mailed to those receiving newsletters electronically. 11.2.17 B. Hadfield Nīkau Reserve, P’umu 17 Payment to the Society’s bank account 020536 0017812 00, 4.3.17 Seaweeds, South Coast 32 with your name as reference, is a quick option. Donations 1.4.17 Kaukau & Te Wharangi ridge to south 14 are receipted and tax-deductable. 6.5.17 Mt Wainui 21 Note that subscription rates remain unchanged, and 3.6.17 Silversky Track, Crofton Downs 7 donations towards botanical research via the Jubilee Award 17.6.17 Te Mārua Bush workbee 13 Fund are most welcome. Our rates remain: 1.7.17 Manawa : cancelled – rain 0 • Ordinary membership $35 TOTAL 204 • Country $30 Average 19 • Group/family $40 • Student $10 2017/18 committee Kind regards, At the 78th Annual General Meeting, held on 21 August Lea Robertson, Treasurer 2017, the following were elected: President Lara Shepherd 384 7147 Vice-presidents Owen Spearpoint 562 8780 Annual Report from the Treasurer, 2nd position vacant Wellington Botanical Society for the Secretary Barbara Clark 233 8202 Treasurer Lea Robertson 473 8211 year ending 30 June 2017 Auditor Jane Humble 971 6970 The accounts for the financial year ended 30 June 2017 Committee Eleanor Burton 479 0497 show a surplus of $1,133 on the normal operations Frances Forsyth 384 8891 of the Society recorded in the General Account. The Richard Herbert 232 6828 greater surplus is due to the fact that no Bulletin Chris Horne 475 7025 was published, and it was unnecessary to transfer as Sunita Singh 387 9955 much money to provide for the print run coming up. Submissions coordinator Bev Abbott 475 8468 Operating expenses have been similar to previous Bulletin editor Eleanor Burton 479 0497 years, with some decline in printing payments as more [email protected] members opt to receive their newsletters electronically. The transfer of $960 each year from the General Account Wellington Botanical Society to the Victoria University Student Field Grant Account represents the rent of the lecture room we use for meetings. Bulletins—back-issues The University allows the Society to use the room for our Expand your collection of our informative “flagship” monthly meetings free of charge. publication. Limited numbers of copies of the following On the income side, subscriptions received have back issues are available: increased. Interest received declined, but this was 1950s: no. 23 (9/50), no. 30 (12/58). anticipated last year. Currently we have an average interest 1960s: no. 32 (12/61), 33 (2/66), 34 (11/67), 35 (10/68), 36 return of 3.71 % p.a. on invested funds down from 3.85 % (12/69). Index to Bulletins nos. 1–35. p.a. last year. 1970s: no. 37 (11/71), 38 (9/74), 39 (10/76), 40 (8/78). $2,600 was awarded from the Jubilee Award Fund, $600 1980s: no. 41 (9/81), 42 (9/85), 43 (4/87), 44 (11/88), 45 was given as a Victoria University Student Field Grant, (11/89). and $150 was awarded to a school student at the NIWA 1990s: no. 46 (12/94), no. 47 (9/96). Wellington Science Technology Fair 2016. Jubilee Award 2000s: no. 48 (9/02), no. 49 (12/05). Fund donations rose again this year, which is wonderful, Cost $5/issue, incl. p&p; $15/any five issues incl. p&p. and very much appreciated. Sufficient funds have been Copies of more recent Bulletins, nos. 50 (3/07), 51 put aside to cover the cost of printing Bulletin 57 in the (11/08), 52 (4/10), 53 (6/11), 54 (11/12), 55 (11/14), and 2017/2018 financial year. 56 (5/16): $11 each incl. p&p, to members and other individuals; $21 each incl. p&p, to organisations, posted Subscriptions for the year ended 30 June 2018: within NZ. The Society has decided to maintain subscriptions at the Contact Chris Horne to confirm availability: jchorne@ current level. paradise.net.nz, phone 04 475 7025. Ordinary membership $35, country $30, joint/family Please either: $40, student $10 (rebate of $5 if paid before 30 November • make your cheque payable to Wellington Botanical 2017—unless you choose to forego) Society, PO Box 10 412, Wellington 6143 Lea Robertson, Hon. Treasurer, 13 August 2017 • or pay direct to the Society’s bank account 020536 0017812 00, with your name and Bulletin as reference. Lea Robertson, Treasurer

10 11 Wellington Botanical Society Incorporated Statement of Receipts and Payments For the year ended: 30 June 2017

Operating Receipts – general account at 30 June 2016 as at 30 June 2017

Subscriptions 5214 5,599 Interest from bank deposits 2640 1,737

Total Operating Receipts ( general account) : 7,854 7,336

Operating Payments

Printing and stationery - includes ink 254 93 Newsletter print runs 915 773 Administration – includes PO Box fee, Charities A/R 277 265 filing fee Postage - includes address labels, envelopes, stamps 330 303 Website costs 205 205 Meeting and speakers’ expenses 462 409 Subscriptions to related organisations ( NZPCN, ECO ) 190 195 Transfer to Student Award Fund 960 960 Transfer to Bulletin Account 4000 3,000 Total Operating Payments (general account) : 7593 6203

Operating Surplus or (Deficit) (general account) : 261 1,133

Operating Receipts – Jubilee Award Fund as at 30 June 2017

Donations from members 1226 1,485 Book, plant and card sales 195 139 Interest from bank deposits 3,945 2,783

Total Operating Receipts ( Jubilee Award Fund) : 5,366 4,407

Operating Payments – Jubilee Award Fund

NIWA Science Fair Award 150 150 Jubilee Award 2600 2,600 Total Operating Payments (Jubilee Award Fund) : 2750 2,750

Operating Surplus or (Deficit) (Jubilee Award Fund) : 2,616 1657

12 Jubilee Award 2017—Applications Wellington Botanical Society—Grants sought to Graduate Students The Wellington Botanical Society invites applications for Each year the Wellington Botanical Society provides small an Award of up to $2,600 to encourage and assist applicants grants to assist post-graduate student in the VUW School to increase knowledge of New Zealand’s indigenous flora, of Biological Sciences. and to commemorate the Society’s Jubilee in 1989. These grants can be used for travel, materials and other costs related to research projects undertaken as part of the Purpose of the award course of study. Grants to any one student will normally be The Award is open to anyone working in New Zealand. not more than $600. It will be granted for: fieldwork; artistic endeavour; Application should be made initially through your publication; research; propagation or cultivation of NZ supervisor to Prof. Kevin Gould by 30 September 2017. native plants for educational purposes and/or other studies (DEADLINE EXTENDED). which promote the better understanding of NZ’s indigenous Applications should be brief and to the point, e.g., two flora and vegetation. The interpretation of these conditions A4 pages. will be flexible, except that the main criterion will be the They should state: furtherance of knowledge or promotion of the intrinsic • Your name and e-mail address value of NZ’s indigenous flora and vegetation. The Award • Your current education qualifications. may be used to defray costs such as travel, accommodation, • The course of study being undertaken. materials or publication. • The nature and aim of the research project. Applications for the Award • The name of your supervisor for this project Applications should be made in typescript to: Secretary, • The budget for this project. Wellington Botanical Society, PO Box 10 412, Wellington • The expenses that the grant is proposed to cover. You will be advised of the results of your application by 3 6143, or by e-mail to [email protected], by 30 September October 2017 2017. (DEADLINE EXTENDED). There is no prescribed application form, but the Grants will be made through the Research Trust of following must be provided: Victoria University of Wellington. 1. the applicant’s name, Names of successful applicants will be published in the 2. postal address, telephone number and e-mail address. Society’s newsletter. 3. any relevant position held It is a condition of the grant that you make a short 4. a summary statement of the applicant’s presentation to the Society on your project and / or provide accomplishments in the field of botany – no more than a one-page summary on the nature and results from the one page project to be included in the Society’s newsletter or bulletin. 5. an outline and timetable for the proposed project for The small print which the Award is sought 1. Grants will normally be to post-graduate students. 6. a proposed budget for the project Consideration may be given to applications by Selection undergraduates where the supervisor considers that The Award will be made to one or more applicants selected there is a special case to be made because the nature by a subcommittee nominated by the general committee of of the project is similar to that undertaken by graduate Wellington Botanical Society. Award(s) will be Made and students. 2. Priority will be given to projects involving native NZ applicants informed of the results in writing, by 6 October vascular plants and cryptogams. Consideration may 2017. Successful applicants will be required to provide, at an be given to those projects involving other vegetation. agreed time, a short report on what they have achieved, and With the anticipated competition, and limited funds, it an account of their expenditure of Award funds. The names is unlikely that applications for projects involving algae, of the Award recipients, the value of the Award(s), and a fungi and coral would be successful. synopsis of the project(s) will be published in the Annual 3. The primary purpose of the grant is to cover field Report of Wellington Botanical Society. expenses – transport and accommodation but not rations. Financial assistance towards the cost of chemicals and chemical and DNA analysis will be Taputeranga Marine Reserve entertained. The Society is reluctant to fund capital items but will consider applications for these. If you see any conservation-related illegal activity, call 4. Applications for grants made after the closing date may be entertained if the Society has not already allocated the funds available for the Student Grant. Priority will be given to applications received before the close off date. For Search & Rescue—call 111 5. The funds available are limited and priority will be All other enquiries to your local DOC office or visit our given to those applications and those expenditures that website www.govt.nz comply with the main criteria set out above, and are most in line with the aims of the Wellington Botanical Society.

13 Percy Scenic Reserve News We have also done some planting round Percy Reserve and rockery. We planted several Peoeromia here and there. During our trip in March to the Cobb Valley, Kahurangi We planted Poa anceps and Anthosachne solandri above National Park, NW Nelson, we collected seed from fifty the car park ponga wall in an attempt to soften that hard plant species. Thirty-seven are new to the collection. We line. have sown some of each species, and placed the rest in We lost some large trees in the July storm, including a storage. large Myoporum laetum / ngaio in the fernery and a large So far thirty-seven batches have germinated with Vitex lucens / pūriri behind the pond. Unfortunately they varying degrees of success—some with five or six knocked over several other trees as they fell, leaving some plants, others with fifty or sixty. Traversia baccharoides, large gaps which will take time to fill. Gentianella vernicosa, and Ourisia macrophylla subsp. lactea have germinated. As the weather warms up, we hope Cliff Keilty more will germinate, including Drachophyllum traversii, Percy Scenic Reserve Deyeuxia avenoides, Orthoceras novae zelandiae and several Thelymitra and Microtis species. Water-quality testing We have sown seed from our stored seed collection, The WAI NZ RiverWatch PledgeMe campaign is now with varying success. Several seeds of Australopyrum calcis underway. RiverWatch has been developed from a five- subsp. calcis, a grass species, have germinated. It is on the year programme with Victoria University. We are doing Critically Endangered list. research and development for E. coli, nitrate and phosphate We have planted another ninety plus Atriplex cinerea water testers and loggers. https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/ along Petone’s foreshore, near Korokoro gateway and projects/5218-riverwatch-making-a-big-splash-to-save- Burden’s Gate, Eastbourne. About 65% are female, the rest our-rivers male. They have been planted near those planted last year, This has been developed by a NZ non-profit which are thriving. organisation. All profits from the IP will go back into future restoration and conservation projects within NZ.

TRIP REPORTS

6 May 2017: Whakatikei River headwaters, Akatarawa Forest The day dawned calm, with blue this area were podocarp/broadleaved, Near the start, the vegetation was sky, as we 22 travelled to meet at 9 with miro, rimu and northern rātā. regenerating broadleaved scrub a.m. at the Paekākāriki shops. We They have been logged, but now there 2-3 m tall. Common species seen then drove for 20 minutes into the is good regeneration of most species. were Gahnia setifollia, Coprosma Maungakōtukutuku Valley, and the On arrival at the old proposed robusta, C rhamnoides, C lucida, entrance to Akatarawa Forest. The windfarm’s anemometer site, half Beilschmiedia tawa, Coriaria arborea, drive through the forest was long, way between spot heights 506 Elaeocarpus dentatus, Hedycarya bumpy, exciting and eventful, with and 561, we forayed down the arborea, Melicytus ramiflorus,and bogs, narrow roads with steep sections old logging road to the north. Weinmannia racemosa. Further and great landscapes. Our destination was the 257 Track, so named because of the Cook Strait transmission-line tower number that the road/track leads to. This road traverses the ridge along the southern and eastern side of the south branch of the Whakatikei River’s headwaters. At an elevation of 500 metres, the ridge is broad and wide. The streams and ridges running to the north are gently sloping, and have deeper, more fertile soils in the more benign terrain. To the south, the terrain is steep, with thin soils and rock outcrops. The head-waters of the Whakatikei River are the northern extremity of the Wellington beech- tree gap. To the south, the beech gap widens towards the ; to the north it continues along the western foothills of the Akatarawa and Tararua ranges. The forests in Lunchtime in the sun. 14 down the road, the understorey was forest canopy height was natural, A great day was had by all on darker, and the tree canopy became but missing the emergent trees. The one of the very few fine weekends in taller with the same species present more mature forest was reflected in Autumn 2017. The return journey was as at the start, plus Pittosporum the presence of mature Podocarpus no less eventful, and probably more tenuifolium, Pseudopanax arboreus, P. laetus, , and so, and a bit hard on the body for crassifolius, Pseudowintera axillaris, Weinmannia racemosa. On the north many. Thanks to everyone for such a P. colorata, and Schefflera digitata. side of the road, there were small great day, and a very big thank you to The understorey had several fern wind-leads in the forest where the the two drivers from the Wellington genera including Hymenophyllum, canopy has opened up, testimony to 4WD Club for giving up a Saturday to Asplenium, Blechnum, Hypolepis, the ferocity of the winds in this area. provide us with the extra transport. A Lastreopsis and Microsorum; also The botanical highlights from the big ups guys. Leptopteris hymenophylloides and afternoon were Metrosideros robusta, Participants: Eleanor Burton, Lindsaea trichomanoides. Highlights Neomyrtus pedunculata, Nestegis Gavin Dench, Michelle Dickson, Pat of this foray were findingAscarina cunninghamii, and Raukaua edgerleyi Enright, Chris Hopkins, Alison Lane, lucida / hutu (close to the stream), (unc)* Barbara Lane, Rodney Lewington, tannensis, and Dawsonia Pat Mclean, Pascale Michel, Leon superba. Some did not make it as Perrie, Barrett Pistol (GWRC), Lara far as the stream, then we all slowly Shepherd, Darea Sherratt, Sunita returned to the ridge, vehicles and Singh, Owen Spearpoint (leader/ lunch in the sun. After lunch, we scribe), Julia Stace, John van den all botanised back along the ridge Hoeven, Julia White, Debra Wotton, towards spot height 561, with people and Wellington 4WD Club drivers ducking into the bush to the left Barry Insull and Brett Smidt. and right of the road. The forest in this direction was taller, and the Neomyrtus pedunculata. Photo: Jeremy Rolfe.

3 June 2017: Silversky Track, Crofton Downs A small group of BotSoccers met at It was noted that Plagianthus the end of Silverstream Road, Crofton regius (lowland ribbonwood) has Downs to botanise the relatively been planted; the tree is endemic to new Silversky Track. The track links New Zealand, but is not naturally the end of Silverstream Road with occurring in Wellington. Downing Street, Chartwell, and , originally prepared the Transpower road that follows in 2015, has been updated with the power pylons up to the Skyline several additions including plantings Walkway on the Outer Green Belt’s of mataī, nīkau, tītoki, hīnau, kānuka Te Wharangi Ridge. and pukatea. We added several , The reserve of 3.7 hectares was including, Asplenuim gracillimum, gifted to Wellington City Council in Blechnum membranaceum, and B. 2012 by the developer of the Downing novae-zelandiae. The list has been Street housing development. The sent to Wellington City Council, Silversky Track, primarily developed Greater Wellington Regional Council for mountain bikers, runs through the and NZ Plant Conservation Network. reserve. At the time of the Downing Street development the developer did some native tree planting - many of these trees are a welcome addition to the more recent plantings. It was a short relatively walk through pleasant regenerating forest. We observed the huge effort that has gone into the recent plantings and the removal of buddleia and old Asplenium gracillimum. Photo: Jeremy Rolfe. man’s beard. Much of the area is still covered by gorse which will be over- Participants: Bryan Halliday, topped as the native species develop. Chris Hopkins, Chris Horne, Jane It was great to see a single, large Humble, David Willyams, co-leaders: tōtara in the reserve. We saw several Chris Moore (scribe), Richard Grasse. Blechnum parrisiae, formerly Doodia australis. Blechnum parrisiae. Illustration: Eleanor Burton.

15 17 June 2017: Te Mārua Bush workbee Nine BotSoccers, three Upper Hutt increased protection from gales. Participants: Kim Broad Forest & Bird members, Kim Broad, We walked through the original (GWRC), Gavin Dench, Carolyn Greater Wellington Regional Council bush to show the newer participants Dimattina, Chris Horne, Alison Lane, (GWRC), and a what had been done, and to check Ann Mitcalfe, Richard Parfitt, Lynne ranger, gathered to do some planting progress since last year. Growth of the Pomare, Graeme Sheppard, Sunita and releasing, and to check how the canopy trees, the under-storey, and Singh, Nathan Vickers (GWRC), co- bush had coped during the summer. the ground-cover, has been vigorous. leaders: Glennis Sheppard and Sue We worked in the newest planting Seedlings of tree-species and of shrub Millar. area, north of the main bush, and species are numerous., after the mild Addendum close to SH2. We applied slow-release 2016 winter and wet summer. fertiliser to six plants we put in to fill GWRC’s weed-control programme More than 20 Ileostylus micranthus gaps, and herbicide to blackberry and has been most effective. Convolulus is / pirinoa / small-flowered mistletoe woody weeds we cut off at ground still present but is less of a problem as fruit, sourced from plants on tree level, and freed plantings of weedy trees gain height. English ivy and wild lucerne near the Hutt River south of vines. strawberry are creeping into the edges the SH2 Moonshine bridge, have been After tea break, we gathered near of the plantings, and sycamore and placed on several kahikatea, kōwhai, the entry gate to plant a 2-m-tall flowering cherry seedlings continue tōtara, five-finger, black maire and kahikatea as a memorial to Barbara to arrive. lowland ribbonwood in the planted Mitcalfe who was involved from The amount of blown and thrown strip between Twin Lakes Road the start of the Te Mārua Bush rubbish entering the bush from the and the pony paddock, and on the restoration project in 1989. GWRC, adjacent roads has declined as tree Melicpoe simplex by the stile. It was BotSoc and F&B have all worked on growth along the bush edges has on this small tree that in 1994 Tony this project, so have witnessed the become more dense. Mataī and black Silbery stuck several mistletoe fruit, improving health of the original bush, maire seeded abundantly, and several using their natural ‘glue’ produced and the growth in the bush-extension local people have reported seeing when he squeezed the fruit. The plantings which protect its edges. The flocks of tūī squabbling on loaded mistletoes which resulted grew to bush is now a more viable size, with mataī branches. such a size that the tree’s branches snapped under their weight.

1 July 2017: Manawa Karioi, Island Bay Cancelled because of rain.

5 August 2017: Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, Waikanae Our group of 35 people, comprising the reserve’s boundary to look at BotSoccers, Ngā Manu guides thick-leaved coprosma / Coprosma and staff, and Levin Native Flora crassifolia growing in open scrub. Club members, set out in glorious Then on to the lookout track, with weather to botanise the forest lots of small-flowered mistletoe / loop track through the remnant Ileostylus micranthus growing next of coastal swamp forest, and the to the track, and a nice mix of tupari lookout track. After a brief stop on maunga / Gahnia xanthocarpa and the island to look at dwarf mistletoe rautahi / Carex geminata. Back out of Urtica ferox. Photo: Jeremy Rolfe. / Korthalsella salicornioides which the forest remnant, the plantings were Participants: Peter Beveridge, is being successfully cultivated here, diverse and interesting. I liked the Matu Booth, Pene Burton Bell, we set off around the loop track, well-chewed ongaonga / Urtica ferox Lelia Chrystall*, Barbara Clark, rapidly breaking up into smaller in the butterfly garden, and the thick Gavin Dench, Michele Dickson, groups. For me the highlight was the mat of the floating fern, Azolla rubra Jenny Fraser, Richard Grasse, Bryan swamp forest remnant with lots of everywhere there was water. Halliday, Robin Halliday, Chris swamp maire / Syzygium maire and Hopkins, Chris Horne, Jane Humble, pukatea / Laurelia novae-zelandiae. Marianne Jenner, Brian Karl, Robyn Pneumatophores everywhere! And Karl, John Lewin, Rodney Lewington, an interesting array of climbers Rhys Mills, Chris Moore, Syd Moore, including kiekie / Freycinetia banksii, Tessa Roberts, Darea Sherratt, swamp lawyer / Rubus australis and Karin Sievwright, Barbara and Roy the biggest NZ jasmine / Parsonsia Azolla ruubra. Photo: Jeremy Rolfe. Simons, Sunita Singh, Julia Stace, Ian heterophylla I have seen in a long Thanks to Rhys Mills and Matu Townsend*, Brian and Judith Tyler*, time. Also lots of the fork fern, Booth for the reduced entry fee and Julia White. Eleanor Burton (scribe, Tmesipteris. After lunch we had a co-leading the trip, and to Chris and co-leader with Rhys Mills). diversion to the top of the hill near Horne for the species list. * member, Levin Native Flora Club

16 2 September 2017: Forest of Tāne, Tawa, Wellington Forest of Tāne is a welcome addition Spicer Forest, to reach the Meridian • seeing weeds to control, including to WCC’s Outer Green Belt, part of road above Porirua’s Spicer Landfill. tradescantia, climbing asparagus, the open-space network, purchased We then retraced our steps. A few banana passionfruit sp., old man’s early 2017. Public access is via a short off-track peeks were enough beard, blackberry cotoneaster driveway at 58C Kiwi Cres, Redwood, to whet the appetite for the need for and native species e.g., karaka, Tawa, which is shared with three a more extensive survey when the lacebark / Hoheria populnea, karo private residential neighbours. A ground surface is much drier. and Pittosporum ralphii, which good turnout of 19 people assembled We made extensive additions to are not naturally occurring in at the road entrance, including new an initial preliminary list created by Wellington Ecological District; participant, Ursula Torres, who found Chris Horne on the day of the official • finding a single Darwin’s barberry us almost by accident, having initially opening public walk earlier in the seedling—not previously known followed a link to events on the F&B year. Highlights included: in the Tawa area, obviously been web site, then locating Sunita’s mobile • adding three tree-fern species to brought in by birds; phone number as leader of an earlier the two species already on the list; • adding kākā and waxeye to the list BotSoc trip, and so asked her for • seeing seedlings of tree species of native birds, and house sparrow, directions. able to become canopy species, or hedge sparrow / dunnock and The Forest of Tāne block even large emergents, e.g., tītoki, blackbird to the list of introduced comprises 32 ha adjoining the Tawa rewarewa, hīnau, kohekohe, tawa; birds. (Not seen on this trip, but side of Spicer Forest. It comprises known to also exist in the area are about 40% coverage of neglected kākāriki and korimako / bellbird); pine plantation, with extensive native • noting possum-control line regeneration in the understorey, and a markers. It is essential that small tawa/kohekohe remnant. Steep possum control continues. gullies through the block provide the Participants: Peter Beveridge, catchment for three tributaries that Barry Blackett, Eleanor Burton, make up ‘Spicer Stream’ that thence Gavin Dench, Michele Dickson, flows through suburban Tawa to join Jenny Fraser, Richard Herbert and Porirua Stream. Rewarewa / Knightia excelsa seedling. Margaret Herbert (Leaders/scribes), We followed an early farm-access Photo: Jeremy Rolfe. Chris Hopkins, Chris Horne, Rodney 4WD track meandering along the • adding supplejack, mature and Lewington, Chris Moore, Leon Perrie, streamside, and then up a spur along seedlings, and nīkau seedlings; Lara Shepherd, Darea Sherratt, Sunita the eastern edge of the block to the • finding crepe fern not otherwise Singh, Ursula Torres, Julia White, main ridgeline through a portion of known to exist in the Tawa area; David Willyams.

Special offer forWellington Botanical Society members for Philip Simpson’s book ‘Tōtara’

In June Potton and Burton are distributing Auckland University Press’s new book, Tōtara A Natural and Cultural History by Philip Simpson. For information on this book and to look inside follow this link: http://www.pottonandburton. co.nz/store/totara. Botanical Society members have been offered a 10% discount off the recommended retail price (RRP $75.00) and free freight within New Zealand. To obtain this discount, (discounted price $67.50) members can order from our website using a unique coupon code (BOT17) at the shopping cart. This offer expires on 30 September 2017.

17 Wellington Botanical Society In on Thursday 4 January 2018, out on Thursday 11 January 2018. Based at Taurewa Camp (http://www.avcol.school.nz/activities_and_support/outdoor_education_taurewa.aspx) Completed forms and deposit to be in by 20 November—the last BotSoc meeting of the year Name(s):

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Travel and accommodation arrangements: Please indicate which evenings you intend to be at Taurewa Camp: 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan

8 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan Type of accommodation required: Bunk accommodation (in 2-bunk to 10-bunk huts), $17/ person/night.

Tent site $17/person/night.

Self-contained cottage for 7 max., 2 per bedroom, $25/ person/night.

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Please specify your mode of travel to Taurewa, e.g.: public transport, own car, or as a passenger with someone else. If you are going with your own car, how many additional passengers could you take: None 1 2 3 4 If you are taking a car, will it be available for day trips at Taurewa? Yes No

Payment: Estimated cost per person: $400. (This applies both to those who are bunking or camping.) Please check one of the following boxes and make payment as specified: By Cheque: please make cheque out to Wellington Botanical Society and send it with the completed Registration Form to: Lara Shepherd, 26 Thane Rd, Roseneath, Wellington 6021. By Electronic Funds Transfer: please make the deposit to the Society’s account: 020536 0017812 02 citing your name(s) in the particulars/reference boxes of the payee section. Notes for e-mailing the completed Registration Form: 1. Download the form from the bottom of the BotSoc Trips web-page at: (To fill in the form’s “check boxes”, double left click on it and click on the “Checked” button.) http://www.wellingtonbotsoc.org.nz/trips_2017.html 2. E-mail to Lara Shepherd at [email protected] Notes for posting the completed Registration Form: 1. Print off a copy of the form from the newsletter, or download from the above web site. 2. Fill in as appropriate by putting an X in the required check boxes. 3. Post the form with your cheque to Chris Moore’s above home address. (Cheque not required if payment already made by Electronic Funds Transfer.) Deposit: $400.00 At the end of the trip, depending on the final cost, you will be sent an invoice (or a refund) for the full cost less your original payment.

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The membership year is from 1 July to 30 June. Dues received after 1 May will be credited to the following year. Membership fees for the year ended 30 June 2018 are: Type of membership: Ordinary $35; Country $30; Student $10; Group / family $40. We welcome donations to support research into NZ native plants and to the Jubilee Award Fund. Please make your cheque payable to Wellington Botanical Society Inc, and send it with this form to: Wellington Botanical Society Inc., PO Box 10 412, Wellington 6143 My cheque is enclosed for Ordinary membership $...... Country membership $...... Student membership $...... Group / family membership $...... Donation $...... TOTAL $...... Alternatively you may pay direct to the Society’s bank account 020536 0017812 00 and e-mail this completed form to the Treasurer at [email protected]

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